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Curse of the Crown #1
Ties of Destiny
A soldier with a secret past at risk of exposure.
An empire threatened from within.
Can a man sacrifice everything for the greater good?
Driven out by his family when he was young, Jeffrey found a new home in the legion. Being a soldier is his life. The crimes of his past no longer define him.
He fears being recognised by other nobles he may once have known, since they would certainly have him executed for his mistakes.
When he is reassigned and becomes personal guard to the obnoxious crown prince, his equilibrium is threatened. Every moment he spends at court, he’s surrounded by nobles and under threat of being discovered. All Jeffrey wants is to live a simple life as soldier, but he can see no way out of the palace. And the prince needs Jeffrey’s help to control his unruly royal magic.
Jeffrey is pulled into a web of politics and intrigues he despises. Protecting the prince becomes his priority, without him, there’s no future for the empire. But the longer he stays at court, the greater the risk of being found out.
Can Jeffrey sacrifice his own future for the sake of the empire and its people?
This book contains graphic content, including mild bdsm, and is intended for mature audiences.
An empire threatened from within.
Can a man sacrifice everything for the greater good?
Driven out by his family when he was young, Jeffrey found a new home in the legion. Being a soldier is his life. The crimes of his past no longer define him.
He fears being recognised by other nobles he may once have known, since they would certainly have him executed for his mistakes.
When he is reassigned and becomes personal guard to the obnoxious crown prince, his equilibrium is threatened. Every moment he spends at court, he’s surrounded by nobles and under threat of being discovered. All Jeffrey wants is to live a simple life as soldier, but he can see no way out of the palace. And the prince needs Jeffrey’s help to control his unruly royal magic.
Jeffrey is pulled into a web of politics and intrigues he despises. Protecting the prince becomes his priority, without him, there’s no future for the empire. But the longer he stays at court, the greater the risk of being found out.
Can Jeffrey sacrifice his own future for the sake of the empire and its people?
This book contains graphic content, including mild bdsm, and is intended for mature audiences.
333 pages, ebook
First published October 26, 2018
About the author
Caitlin Taylor
4 books31 followersCaitlin Taylor is the author of the Curse of the Crown series.
She calls the west of Ireland home and has lived in Germany, Norway as well as Canada, loves travelling and exploring foreign places and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Reading has always been a beautiful escape for her and she has been creating fantastical worlds in her head for as long as she can remember. Ties of Destiny is her debut novel.
With a focus on fantasy and LGBT+ characters, you can expect a mix of different genres and elements, like the blend of historical and semi-modern times in the Curse of the Crown series. There will be fantastical worlds to get lost in, adventures (maybe while chasing bad guys), sword fighting (other types of battle not excluded), magic in its beautiful and varied forms, queer romances (which may, or may not fit into traditional expectations -> read: HEA not immediately guaranteed) and whatever else my crazy muses decide to throw at me.
If you’re brave (or looking for something different), come and join the ride.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
maybe
November 2, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Ties-Destiny...
March 2, 2019
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls.
July 14, 2019
I do not think I fully appreciated what's so special about this series even though there is plenty. It's a fantasy novel, gay romance with some mild kink. It's a kingdom of the usual kind yet as if... postapocalyptic: they know electricity, they have cars... but also magic. Which is pretty small part. But important, because it makes the MC into a jerk, indirectly and you have to get through that part to get to the real stuff.
It's slow burn, it's teasing though if you're one of those that can't stand "cheating" that is not cheating, cause they're not yet together...
And of course we have the whole double curse and the societal and class problems and generally... this is a pretty well thought through world.
-----Original review:
A more objective, less emotional but still strong - four stars.
A great romance, interesting plot and characters. The world is also nothing to scoff at.
Recommend.
It's slow burn, it's teasing though if you're one of those that can't stand "cheating" that is not cheating, cause they're not yet together...
And of course we have the whole double curse and the societal and class problems and generally... this is a pretty well thought through world.
-----Original review:
A more objective, less emotional but still strong - four stars.
A great romance, interesting plot and characters. The world is also nothing to scoff at.
Recommend.
August 24, 2020
Jeffrey has an old grudge against the nobles, apparently he was one, but then something happened (and we still don't know about at by the end of book 1) and he became a soldier. Crown Prince Akoni is apparently a cruel person, but full of mystery. Anyway, during the staying at the holiday residence Jeffrey seems to overcome his reluctance to deal with the nobles (he has sex with one); and we find out that Akoni is cruel in part because of his magic's influence, in part because he cannot (yet) act differently for political reasons (?). Given that they stay at the beach palace only one week, this part of the plot is a bit too long and too full of sex to be useful.
The worldbuilding is not particularly coherent: they have cars and trains, but they fight with swords, staves, and cavalry? Nor it is developed: they discovered ''a type of crystal, that had started a chain of events leading to incredible technological development ''. That's all we are told. The magic is also not explained. Does it manifest itself only in the royal family? Does it have to do with the course? Another thing that still don't know about at by the end of book 1.
And I will never know, because even though I moderately enjoyed this first book, but I'm not invested enough to follow the series. And I also read some less than enthusiastic reviews about book 2.
NB: One the main protagonists is called Jeffrey, not Jeffery. It would be a good idea to correct the blurb, because that typo started a whole series of reviews mentioning a «Jeffery» in the book.
The worldbuilding is not particularly coherent: they have cars and trains, but they fight with swords, staves, and cavalry? Nor it is developed: they discovered ''a type of crystal, that had started a chain of events leading to incredible technological development ''. That's all we are told. The magic is also not explained. Does it manifest itself only in the royal family? Does it have to do with the course? Another thing that still don't know about at by the end of book 1.
And I will never know, because even though I moderately enjoyed this first book, but I'm not invested enough to follow the series. And I also read some less than enthusiastic reviews about book 2.
NB: One the main protagonists is called Jeffrey, not Jeffery. It would be a good idea to correct the blurb, because that typo started a whole series of reviews mentioning a «Jeffery» in the book.
Want to Read
November 17, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (11/17/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Forces both inside and outside the palace walls threaten the life of Crown Prince Akoni. He finds himself in need of a guard. Someone who will protect, not just him, but also his secrets, and he knows just who he wants.
Being a soldier is Jeffery’s life, his past won’t define him. The present is what he fights for, not a future he will never see. When Jeffery finds himself reassigned to the palace then forced to become a personal guard for Prince Akoni, his plans for fighting until the end are crushed. Instead forcing him into the presence of nobles he has little regard for, and Prince Akoni doesn’t make things any easier.
Can two men learn to trust each other, or will the secrets they both hold be their demise? Can Jeffery help Prince Akoni become King, or will his proximity cause more death? Can these men learn to trust themselves for the future to come, or will the past repeat until neither survives?
Ties of Destiny is the first book in the Gay Fantasy Romance series, Curse of the Crown.
Blurb:
Forces both inside and outside the palace walls threaten the life of Crown Prince Akoni. He finds himself in need of a guard. Someone who will protect, not just him, but also his secrets, and he knows just who he wants.
Being a soldier is Jeffery’s life, his past won’t define him. The present is what he fights for, not a future he will never see. When Jeffery finds himself reassigned to the palace then forced to become a personal guard for Prince Akoni, his plans for fighting until the end are crushed. Instead forcing him into the presence of nobles he has little regard for, and Prince Akoni doesn’t make things any easier.
Can two men learn to trust each other, or will the secrets they both hold be their demise? Can Jeffery help Prince Akoni become King, or will his proximity cause more death? Can these men learn to trust themselves for the future to come, or will the past repeat until neither survives?
Ties of Destiny is the first book in the Gay Fantasy Romance series, Curse of the Crown.
October 28, 2018
I was pulled into this story from the very fiery chapter. I loved the dynamic between Jeffrey and the Prince and loved seeing both characters learn about one another.
The author did an excellent job of seeing this world up, without it ever feeling like a massive data dump, and without me ever feeling lost due to a lack of sufficient information. I thought that both Jeffrey and Akoni were strong main characters who were very relatable and realistically portrayed.
This series has just shot up to my auto-buy list whenever a new book comes out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The author did an excellent job of seeing this world up, without it ever feeling like a massive data dump, and without me ever feeling lost due to a lack of sufficient information. I thought that both Jeffrey and Akoni were strong main characters who were very relatable and realistically portrayed.
This series has just shot up to my auto-buy list whenever a new book comes out.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 7, 2018
Very different from my usual read.
It is a little long but keeps your interest. Looking forward to next book. Not usually fond of series, but let's see what happens in book 2
It is a little long but keeps your interest. Looking forward to next book. Not usually fond of series, but let's see what happens in book 2
February 18, 2019
Great story. Lots of suspense. Steamy romance.
October 16, 2018
What a great book. This is exactly the type of book I loved to read.
A true fantasy with gay characters. That has a great plot and doesn't rely on erotic sex to dominate like so many other books depend on. I totally enjoyed every page of this book. Such strong characters as Jeffrey and the prince both surrounded in mystery that I ...still wasn't able to figure out. This book left me with so many questions, I love a book that keeps me thinking and guessing. I can't wait to read more about these 2 strong men can't wait tui see what will become of them.
Highly recommended...
If you want a true fantasy with a great plot and story and just happens to have 2 main characters that just happen to be gay.☆☆☆☆☆
A true fantasy with gay characters. That has a great plot and doesn't rely on erotic sex to dominate like so many other books depend on. I totally enjoyed every page of this book. Such strong characters as Jeffrey and the prince both surrounded in mystery that I ...still wasn't able to figure out. This book left me with so many questions, I love a book that keeps me thinking and guessing. I can't wait to read more about these 2 strong men can't wait tui see what will become of them.
Highly recommended...
If you want a true fantasy with a great plot and story and just happens to have 2 main characters that just happen to be gay.☆☆☆☆☆
December 9, 2018
3.5 I liked this in general but if you're looking for a hot read it wasn't really quite that for at least me.
November 13, 2018
** 4.5 Stars **
I really enjoyed the whole created storyline, the "slow-burn" between Jeffery and Prince Akoni, the "hate to love" relationship progress.
Readers beware : there's no resolution at the end of this book, we'll have to wait for the next one, I hope (not my favorite thing!). A great read nonetheless.
I really enjoyed the whole created storyline, the "slow-burn" between Jeffery and Prince Akoni, the "hate to love" relationship progress.
Readers beware : there's no resolution at the end of this book, we'll have to wait for the next one, I hope (not my favorite thing!). A great read nonetheless.
November 7, 2018
Very Very Good Read
Well written very proactive keeps your interest high also a very good blending between Ancient and semi-modern times. Good characters well thought out believable.
Well written very proactive keeps your interest high also a very good blending between Ancient and semi-modern times. Good characters well thought out believable.
March 14, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
for the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-geY
From that review:Well, Ties of Destiny is certainly an unusual sort of fantasy novel. I enjoyed it immensely even if or maybe because it reads more like a fantasy mystery novel than it does a straight out fantasy fiction. With most fantasy series, the first story is full of world building, set the stage with our characters, their backgrounds, relationship dynamics, and any huge issues that we know will need to be resolved.
Caitlin Taylor gives us only some of that, along with some astonishing twists in the fantasy genre, like motor cars and trucks. motorcycles and arms to go along with swords, knives, and horses. It's an odd mishmash of past and present that, tbh, I'm not sure always works, and the explanation could be enlarged on other than history and the obtaining of a special mineral that allowed this
Society to make jumps in technology. But just like so much else here, perhaps the author is leaving that to future stories.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
for the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-geY
From that review:Well, Ties of Destiny is certainly an unusual sort of fantasy novel. I enjoyed it immensely even if or maybe because it reads more like a fantasy mystery novel than it does a straight out fantasy fiction. With most fantasy series, the first story is full of world building, set the stage with our characters, their backgrounds, relationship dynamics, and any huge issues that we know will need to be resolved.
Caitlin Taylor gives us only some of that, along with some astonishing twists in the fantasy genre, like motor cars and trucks. motorcycles and arms to go along with swords, knives, and horses. It's an odd mishmash of past and present that, tbh, I'm not sure always works, and the explanation could be enlarged on other than history and the obtaining of a special mineral that allowed this
Society to make jumps in technology. But just like so much else here, perhaps the author is leaving that to future stories.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
December 24, 2018
I find it hard to find a good fantasy story with same sex relationship as the main character and this book does deliver. I was a bit disappointed with the sleeping with other characters but that is a personal pet peeve rather than a plot hole in the story. There is court intrige, magic, power and love what more could you need. The ending is very much leading into the second book and at this stage I think I know what the twist will be but still an interseting journeey getting there. There is lovable and only slightly overshadowing side charcters that hopefully continue to get air time in the following books.
March 5, 2019
I enjoyed this slow burn romance/fantasy story. I was fascinated with Jeffrey and Akoni and loved getting to see how their characters developed.
The author does a great job of world building while moving the story forward. There is a great plot that will hold your interest. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
The author does a great job of world building while moving the story forward. There is a great plot that will hold your interest. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 10, 2019
Prince Akoni needs a bodyguard. someone is out to get him. Jeffery is a soldier and the perfect man for the job. if they can get past all the secrets they may have something special and Akoni my live to be King! what a great book, really well written and the characters are so interesting. would def recommend.
February 24, 2019
4.25 🌟
This is an interesting mix of knights and sword fighting, magic, and...cars and electricity? Yes, a very interesting mix indeed. There are several editing/proofreading issues, but only one that really bothered me.
Akoni is the Crown Prince of a cursed line of royalty. From the story so far, only his line carries the gift of magic, but this is only beginning to be explored in this book. He is seen by his subjects as cruel and...lazy? But, in politics, everyone has a part to play.
Jeffrey is a soldier with a mysterious and devastating past that he has been running from for years. He does his best to go unnoticed by any nobility, but unbeknownst to him, he has caught the prince's attention.
When Jeffrey is suddenly assigned to be a personal guard to the prince, he is not happy. Not only does he have to fear discovery from his past, but now he must serve a cruel master. The fact that the Prince continues to try to get Jeffrey to speak with him only angers Jeffrey more.
When Akoni's life is endangered, Jeffrey does not hesitate to do all in his power to save him. It is at this point that the two come to a sort of truce. As time passes, they develop a tentative friendship, but against Akoni's wishes, Jeffrey always holds himself back.
When the final showdown between father and son takes place, Jeffrey is an integral part of the resolution. Unfortunately, Jeffrey's shields and insecurities are back in full force, and we are left with more questions than answers.
Overall, this book seems to be more of an introduction to the story that promises to be a great fantasy series. This is not a plot heavy book. It introduces the characters and gives us just enough to keep, at least me, intrigued enough to continue the story. A few tidbits of information about Jeffrey's past were thrown in, and we learned more about the Prince along the way. However, I am anxiously awaiting the next installment to see what happens next, and hopefully learn more about our secretive MCs.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book. *
This is an interesting mix of knights and sword fighting, magic, and...cars and electricity? Yes, a very interesting mix indeed. There are several editing/proofreading issues, but only one that really bothered me.
Akoni is the Crown Prince of a cursed line of royalty. From the story so far, only his line carries the gift of magic, but this is only beginning to be explored in this book. He is seen by his subjects as cruel and...lazy? But, in politics, everyone has a part to play.
Jeffrey is a soldier with a mysterious and devastating past that he has been running from for years. He does his best to go unnoticed by any nobility, but unbeknownst to him, he has caught the prince's attention.
When Jeffrey is suddenly assigned to be a personal guard to the prince, he is not happy. Not only does he have to fear discovery from his past, but now he must serve a cruel master. The fact that the Prince continues to try to get Jeffrey to speak with him only angers Jeffrey more.
When Akoni's life is endangered, Jeffrey does not hesitate to do all in his power to save him. It is at this point that the two come to a sort of truce. As time passes, they develop a tentative friendship, but against Akoni's wishes, Jeffrey always holds himself back.
When the final showdown between father and son takes place, Jeffrey is an integral part of the resolution. Unfortunately, Jeffrey's shields and insecurities are back in full force, and we are left with more questions than answers.
Overall, this book seems to be more of an introduction to the story that promises to be a great fantasy series. This is not a plot heavy book. It introduces the characters and gives us just enough to keep, at least me, intrigued enough to continue the story. A few tidbits of information about Jeffrey's past were thrown in, and we learned more about the Prince along the way. However, I am anxiously awaiting the next installment to see what happens next, and hopefully learn more about our secretive MCs.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book. *
July 14, 2020
An OK fantasy read for a new author. There is some interesting world building whereby we have the odd blending of modern technology with medieval weaponry. The magical curse eventually revealed afflicting MC Prince Akoni is a little puzzling to me (and to the MCs too LOL), featured amidst erratic and volatile un-regal behavior. Glimpses into the thinking of other MC Jeffery's mind hints at a dark past/background with an abundance of secrets, with much of these remaining hidden by book's end; I can only assume more will come to light in the subsequent titles of the series.
Despite threats of seditious unrest, political intrigue and physical danger ... there's not much actual drama and violence from external armies or traitorous sources; to be sure there is an erratic and menacing monarch with magical powers After the initial insta-attract moments, the M-M romance arc between the prince and his bodyguard is significantly stretched out
The substantial amount of pages given over to the MCs retreat to the royal holiday home seemed a little too overblown or conflated and I wish the author would have concentrated on the uncovering/solving of the magical curse afflicting the royal menfolk instead. However, I'm wiling to give the next book in the series a try to see if things improve from hereon. 2.5 stars at best.
Despite threats of seditious unrest, political intrigue and physical danger ... there's not much actual drama and violence from external armies or traitorous sources; to be sure there is an erratic and menacing monarch with magical powers After the initial insta-attract moments, the M-M romance arc between the prince and his bodyguard is significantly stretched out
The substantial amount of pages given over to the MCs retreat to the royal holiday home seemed a little too overblown or conflated and I wish the author would have concentrated on the uncovering/solving of the magical curse afflicting the royal menfolk instead. However, I'm wiling to give the next book in the series a try to see if things improve from hereon. 2.5 stars at best.
February 28, 2019
4 Stars!
Ties of Destiny is book 1 of the Curse of the Crown series and my first book by this author, and as such, it was a very nice introduction to both Caitlin Taylor and this fantastical world she's created and that blends historical romance with magic technology (mostly cars and electricity).
The characters, both main and secondary, were complex and tridimensional. I really liked Jeffrey and Prince Akoni and thought their relationship developed organically considering all that was happening around them. They definitely had chemistry, so I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the next installments.
The world building was well done and detailed, the book is long but it moved at a nice pace for the most part, although the romance was a very slow burn enemies-to-lovers and I wanted more of a resolution at the end, but I have no trouble recommending it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Ties of Destiny is book 1 of the Curse of the Crown series and my first book by this author, and as such, it was a very nice introduction to both Caitlin Taylor and this fantastical world she's created and that blends historical romance with magic technology (mostly cars and electricity).
The characters, both main and secondary, were complex and tridimensional. I really liked Jeffrey and Prince Akoni and thought their relationship developed organically considering all that was happening around them. They definitely had chemistry, so I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the next installments.
The world building was well done and detailed, the book is long but it moved at a nice pace for the most part, although the romance was a very slow burn enemies-to-lovers and I wanted more of a resolution at the end, but I have no trouble recommending it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 14, 2020
I feel a bit cheated by this book because while I read it almost in one go, I did so waiting for Jeffrey's mystery to be unveiled... just for it to never happen. There were some hits here and there, enough to let me piece it myself (more-less), but having some sort of conclusion would be nice. Some sex scenes seemed needlessly gratuitous (am I really complaining about that? I guess I am). At times I felt like it was one big orgy, where everyone screwed everyone (I mean... why did Jeffrey have to screw this noble when he had a perfectly good boyfriend waiting in his room? And why he kept kissing the prince between those two?). And the worldbuilding was confusing at times: there were legionaries wearing tunics like in Ancient Rome, but other people wore trousers and there were cars and trains.
That being said, it was an easy, pleasant read, perfect to rest a little between other things I'm reading and it grabbed my attention enough to reach for book 2.
That being said, it was an easy, pleasant read, perfect to rest a little between other things I'm reading and it grabbed my attention enough to reach for book 2.
September 4, 2020
Entertaining
While I personally didn't think this book was anything too special I did enjoy it. I thought that the world and culture of the different characters was interesting, and I'm intrigued by Jeffrey's mysterious past, but i felt that most of the attention in the story ended up being on the prince and Jeffrey's relationship - which meant that the actual plot took a back seat. I also wasn't very convinced by their relationship because there wasn't much of a convincing reason as to why they actually like each other. I think this story could've been a lot stronger if the romance aspect was more of a slowburn (giving their relationship time to evolve naturally) with a focus on the political intrigues in the castle and Jeffrey's past (which is only alluded to and not shown which i assume will be wrapped up in later books).
The book itself is enjoyable though if you want an easy read to binge.
While I personally didn't think this book was anything too special I did enjoy it. I thought that the world and culture of the different characters was interesting, and I'm intrigued by Jeffrey's mysterious past, but i felt that most of the attention in the story ended up being on the prince and Jeffrey's relationship - which meant that the actual plot took a back seat. I also wasn't very convinced by their relationship because there wasn't much of a convincing reason as to why they actually like each other. I think this story could've been a lot stronger if the romance aspect was more of a slowburn (giving their relationship time to evolve naturally) with a focus on the political intrigues in the castle and Jeffrey's past (which is only alluded to and not shown which i assume will be wrapped up in later books).
The book itself is enjoyable though if you want an easy read to binge.
February 27, 2019
This is the first book of a series which I hope has an overarching storyline about Akoni the crown Prince and Jeffrey a soldier who becomes the prince's bodyguard, it has a really very slow burning romance within.
I wasn't sure what to make of this book at first so much so I had to put it down read something different and then come back to it. The book seemed medieval in origins with its sword practice, castles and servants, but then it has cars and motorbikes which run on crystals add in the magic side of things and it is an interesting mix, I did however find that once I had restarted reading this book it was engaging and moved at a good pace, there also seemed to be a bit more action in the second half of the book. The characters are complex and this book is building a world and events that are very intriguing, I am really interested in where the author will take us next
I wasn't sure what to make of this book at first so much so I had to put it down read something different and then come back to it. The book seemed medieval in origins with its sword practice, castles and servants, but then it has cars and motorbikes which run on crystals add in the magic side of things and it is an interesting mix, I did however find that once I had restarted reading this book it was engaging and moved at a good pace, there also seemed to be a bit more action in the second half of the book. The characters are complex and this book is building a world and events that are very intriguing, I am really interested in where the author will take us next
January 20, 2023
"An unexpected turn of events" is what I'd use to describe this book in general.
Beautiful writing, descriptive and visual, and so innocent while being erotic. Jeffrey and Akoni's relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. All the characters in the book have such life to them, you can't imagine them not being real people. Everyone has a backstory in one way or another. Beautifully realized story.
I found the the sexual energy between most characters, that was very free flowing in the story, intriguing to say the least.
It's nice to have a reimagined world where being queer and sexually free isn't something to be looked down upon. It's not something I can imagine, but it definitely left me questioning the link between sex and love we have in today's society. All in all, a page turner for sure!
JEFFONI <3
Beautiful writing, descriptive and visual, and so innocent while being erotic. Jeffrey and Akoni's relationship kept me on the edge of my seat. All the characters in the book have such life to them, you can't imagine them not being real people. Everyone has a backstory in one way or another. Beautifully realized story.
I found the the sexual energy between most characters, that was very free flowing in the story, intriguing to say the least.
It's nice to have a reimagined world where being queer and sexually free isn't something to be looked down upon. It's not something I can imagine, but it definitely left me questioning the link between sex and love we have in today's society. All in all, a page turner for sure!
JEFFONI <3
April 23, 2020
Royal destiny
Well developed plot woven into a complex storyline. Intriguing and believable characters, albeit a slightly awkward alternative world. [Swords and shields concurrent with cars, motorcycles and trains.] Adequate conclusion tempting the reader to advance to the next in the series.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
Well developed plot woven into a complex storyline. Intriguing and believable characters, albeit a slightly awkward alternative world. [Swords and shields concurrent with cars, motorcycles and trains.] Adequate conclusion tempting the reader to advance to the next in the series.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
December 20, 2021
I read one and a 1/3 of the second book in this series, and... first book I enjoyed enough, but beginning of the second destroyed it all for me. The behavior of Jeffrey was not acceptable for me. His brutal ways, bdsm kink and obnoxious tirades about his "soooooo great contempt for highborns"(but fu**ing them alright) is rather off-putting. His running away very irritating. I don't know how it will go further, and I prefer not to know. I was so annoyed all the time. I bought that book on Amazon Kindle and... demanded cost return! And I got it. Disappointing book!
October 27, 2023
Good slow burn
This book did a good job of delivering a good Slow Burn story that made you want to continue to read. The characters were fairly well developed and had a good sense of who they were and what they wanted. I liked that it was male male romance but I also like that it wasn't just repeatable sex scenes as some male male romances are. They're definitely is a good sense of World building and plot development. I would recommend listening with relational romance with some fantasy and class aspirations, set in the middle of a war and how that plays into things.
This book did a good job of delivering a good Slow Burn story that made you want to continue to read. The characters were fairly well developed and had a good sense of who they were and what they wanted. I liked that it was male male romance but I also like that it wasn't just repeatable sex scenes as some male male romances are. They're definitely is a good sense of World building and plot development. I would recommend listening with relational romance with some fantasy and class aspirations, set in the middle of a war and how that plays into things.
December 18, 2020
Honestly, I wanted to enjoy this so much; but it was just boring overall. Nothing happened.
The relationship wasn't a relationship in the slightest, the prince was almost irredeemable (almost, he got better) and the main character's depth was shallow.
It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't really good either.
I would have enjoyed seeing some more of the magic and watched the relationship develop, but I got neither of it.
The relationship wasn't a relationship in the slightest, the prince was almost irredeemable (almost, he got better) and the main character's depth was shallow.
It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't really good either.
I would have enjoyed seeing some more of the magic and watched the relationship develop, but I got neither of it.
August 4, 2021
Good
It was pretty good. I didn’t have a problem with the pacing. I guess It was slow I. Some parts. Debated give it a 3 star but I actually enjoyed most of the book. The ending was a little anticlimactic. It definitely deserves more attention and positive reviews then goodreads has it rated.
It was pretty good. I didn’t have a problem with the pacing. I guess It was slow I. Some parts. Debated give it a 3 star but I actually enjoyed most of the book. The ending was a little anticlimactic. It definitely deserves more attention and positive reviews then goodreads has it rated.
February 19, 2019
I enjoyed reading this intriguing, fascinating, and totally awesome story by this new-to-me author, but the myriad glitches constantly threw me for a loop. I'm willing to give book two a try though.
maybe
March 25, 2020Free on Amazon 5 gennaio 2019
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